The World Health Organization and UNICEF said on Monday that during the coronavirus pandemic, children aged 5 and under should not be allowed to wear masks.

The two United Nations agencies said in a joint statement that very young children are not susceptible to the virus and are unlikely to spread to other people.
CDC updates school guidelines for the Covid-19 pandemic
In addition, some studies have shown that teenagers may play a more active role in communication than younger children.
The WHO has issued new guidelines by age group:
Children under 5-should not wear masks for source control. The new guidelines from WHO and UNICEF contradict current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommend that children 2 years and older should wear masks.
Children 6-11 years old-risk-based approach
The WHO stated that for children between the ages of 6 and 11, a risk-based approach should be adopted taking into account the intensity of local transmission. Social and cultural environment; children’s ability to comply; proper adult supervision; the potential impact of masks on learning and psychosocial development; and other considerations such as disability or potential illness.
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Children 12 years and older-treat like an adult:
These agencies said: “Recommendations regarding the use of masks in children and adolescents over 12 years of age should follow WHO’s guidelines on the use of masks for adults and/or the national guidelines for masks for adults.”
The guidelines say that if there is no mask, no child should be denied education.
Fauci said that K-12 schools and universities can be reopened, but safety should be the top priority. “For children of any age who suffer from developmental disabilities, disabilities or other specific health conditions, they may wear masks.
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Please register here for the CNN Health team to get results with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday. The team added that face masks can replace masks, although they are not as effective as masks.
Masks are not the only precaution that children should take.
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